Ben Sanderson

Ben Sanderson FCIArb is an independent arbitrator and counsel based in Madrid and London, with extensive knowledge of complex international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. 

Ben has 20 years’ experience in international dispute resolution working at leading global law firms (DLA Piper, Skadden and Kirkland & Ellis).  He has advised clients across a range of sectors, notably energy and natural resources, construction and infrastructure, and technology and telecoms. He has particular expertise in disputes arising in Africa and Latin America. Ben has represented both States and commercial parties in investment treaty claims, and he has advised international organizations on a range of public international law issues. 

In July 2025, Ben was appointed to the Sanctions Committee of the Inter-American Development Bank.

Ben is a member of ICC UK’s Arbitration and ADR Committee, and he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. 

Corporate Experience

• Inter-American Development Bank, Member of the Sanctions Committee, Washington DC, 2025-Present
• Sanderson Arbitration, Independent Arbitrator and Counsel, Madrid and London, 2024-Present
• DLA Piper, Of Counsel, Global Practice Manager of International Arbitration, Madrid and London, 2014–2024
• Kirkland & Ellis, Partner – International Arbitration, London, 2011–2013
• Skadden, Associate – International Arbitration, London, 2006-2011

Academic Experience

• Adjunct Professor of International Investment Law & Arbitration, IE University, Spain, 2025-Present 
• Adjunct Professor of International Arbitration and the Law of International Organizations, Universidad de Carlos III, Spain, 2019-Present

Academic Background

• B.A., M.A. Hons. English and Modern Languages (French), First Class, St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, UK, 1999
• Masters, Université de Paris III - Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, France, 2000
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, Distinction, College of Law, London, UK, 2001-2002